Brownlee looks to 2011 after a difficult year

By Ben Baker, Sportsbeat

ALISTAIR Brownlee is determined to enjoy the last few days of being triathlon world champion - although he's already planning regaining his title in 2011.

POWER OF TWO: World champion Alistair Brownlee (far right) is happy he'll be joining forces with younger brother Jonathan (far left) more often in 2011 (Delly Carr/ITU)

Brownlee admits he always going to be struggle to live up to the heights he scaled in his breakthrough season last year. He was dominant in 2009, winning five races on his way to the world triathlon title on Australia's Gold Coast.

This year was derailed by an early season stress fracture and while he rebounded to win a World Championship Series race in Madrid and claimed the European title, he imploded in the closing stages of his home race in London, staggering jellylegged across the line and into a waiting ambulance.

"It's certainly been up and down and I've had a tough time of it - but I take the view that it only makes you stronger," he said.

"The stress fracture cost me the chance to defend my world title because I missed too many races and when I did get back I was struck down by an illness.

"It is the old saying that you learn more from a bad result then you do from a good one and I think it is definitely true. The whole episode definitely taught me a lot about what such a small thing can do to your body." 

However, if Brownlee is looking for a likely rival next year he only needs to glance across the breakfast table, where brother Jonathan is munching his cornflakes.

While triathletes traditionally peak in their late 20's, the Brownlees are continuing to defy convention.

Alistair won last year's world title aged 21 while Jonathan, 20, recently finished second in the World Championship Series race in London and claimed the senior sprint world title in Lausanne to add to his collection of age group honours. 

He also finished second at last week's European under-23 Championships and is looking to claim the world under-23 title later in the month..

"It's a brilliant feeling to see him doing so well and he is riding a very high wave at the moment," added Brownlee.

"I know how hard he trains and what a fantastic attitude he has."

And, while acknowledging his sibling rival will be one to watch, the world champion claims that will only improve his chances of more medals in the build-up to London 2012.

"I am looking forward to him coming into the senior races because we are able to work together and I think he would help me out a lot and it would be a real advantage for me," he added. 

"We both race in similar ways and we like to break away and not a lot of people do that. And it is also great to have a race strategy with someone you trust."

Brownlee's winning exploits - plus the success of British team-mates Tim Don, Helen Jenkins and Jodie Swallow - has seen triathlon’s profile soar in recent months - although he admits he still walks down the street unrecognised.

He is determined to get more people involved in the sport in the build-up to London 2012 and is backing a unique three-city triathlon.

London 2012 partners Eurostar are behind the Tricityathlon, that will see competitors swim in Paris, cycle in Brussels and run in London - all in the space of a few hours.

“The sport is really on a high leading into two years time and that is great,” he added. 

“Whereas before people were doing half-marathons and full-marathons I think people are instead doing triathlons now instead and it is the new thing.”